2,442 km of roads planned to boost 'red tourism'

ECNS2017-08-31 10:30:00

A spokesman for the Ministry of Transport addresses a regular press conference. (Photo/Chinanews.com)

(ECNS) -- China's Ministry of Transport has rolled out a massive plan to boost "red tourism" - themed tours to sites with historical significance to the Communist Party of China, by building 2,442 kilometers of roads by 2020.

The 126 road projects to be built in China's 28 province-level regions are estimated to involve a total investment of 23.1 billion yuan ($3.47 billion).

The plan aims to ensure all "red tourism" sites can be accessed by at least one Class 3 or above road, with half of the sites linked by Class 2 or above roads by the end of the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020).

Under China's road classification system, Class 3 means a road can be used by all kinds of cars, has two lanes, and can cope with an annual average daily traffic of 3,000 to 7,500 vehicles.

The ministry said it hopes to better connect "red tourism" sites with neighboring cities, improve transport capabilities and benefit economic growth in those areas.